Summary
- The Guardia Civil uncovered a refined fraud in Murcia’s steel sector involving more than €80,000.
- Perpetrators impersonated a company and its manager to obtain and resell metal materials without payment.
- The case involved 40 tons of galvanized metal straps and 25 tons of corrugated sheet metal.
- two suspects arrested, three others under examination; all face charges for identity theft and fraud.
- Recovered materials were found in multiple locations across Murcia including Torre Pacheco, Campos del Río, and Archena.
- Ongoing legal process under the jurisdiction of Orihuela’s Court.
Guardia Civil Cracks €80,000 Steel Industry Scam in Murcia
In a remarkable investigation known as Operation Rajods, the Guardia Civil’s Investigación Unit in Dolores has dismantled a complex fraud case targeting a renowned steel company in the Murcia region. The company, based in the fertile Vega Media del Segura area, boasts decades of experience specializing in the manufacture and sale of metal materials for construction. The fraud involved a staggering sum exceeding €80,000 and highlighted sophisticated tactics by criminals to impersonate legitimate entities.
How the Fraud Unfolded
The case began unfolding on May 12, 2025, when the Murcia-based company filed a formal complaint after entering a commercial deal with an allegedly Alicante-based business. The contract involved a considerable supply of raw materials:
- 40 tons of galvanized steel straps
- 25 tons of corrugated metal sheets
Initial inquiries revealed inconsistencies:
| Key investigation Findings | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Status | The purported buyer company had ceased operations in December 2024. |
| Manager’s knowledge | The former manager denied any involvement or awareness of the deal. |
| Materials’ Location | Stored at open facilities in Torre Pacheco, Murcia. |
Modus Operandi: Identity Theft and Fast Resale
The criminals exploited the financial reputation of the defunct Alicante company by usurping its identity and that of its manager. This false depiction allowed them to secure the shipment of materials without advance payment. After obtaining the goods, they quickly sold them at prices far below market value.
To stay under the radar, the suspects also used a third party’s identity to open several prepaid mobile phone lines, making interaction tracing arduous for authorities.
The Role of Witnesses and Technology
key to the prosperous investigation was the collaboration of the victim company’s sales representative, who provided physical descriptions of suspects, audio recordings of conversations during negotiations, and precise locations linked to the fraud. Furthermore, vigilant citizens helped identify one suspect through eyewitness descriptions, which triggered arrests and further inquiries.
Arrests and Current Status
- Two men aged between 38 and 67 have been detained.
- three other individuals remain under investigation for potential links to the fraud ring.
- Suspects face charges including two counts of identity theft and one count of fraud.
- Many involved have prior records for similar offenses.
The recovered stolen materials were found not only in Torre Pacheco but also in properties located in Campos del Río and Archena, confirming the widespread nature of the scam.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
After the detainees were released pending further proceedings, the collected evidence and case files were forwarded to the juzgado de Instrucción del Partido Judicial de Orihuela, who will continue legal proceedings.
What This Means for Businesses
This case highlights crucial lessons for companies,especially in sectors dealing with high-value goods like steel and construction materials:
- Verify counterparty activity status: Always confirm that your business partners are active and authorized to trade.
- Secure communication: Record and archive negotiation communications as evidence.
- Be vigilant against identity fraud: Cross-check identities before finalizing deals.
- Maintain strong customer due diligence: Use trusted intermediaries and payment guarantees.
By adopting these practices, companies can protect themselves from emerging fraudulent schemes and financial losses.
frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How did the Guardia Civil uncover the fraud?
- they combined company records, witness accounts, audio evidence, and investigations that revealed the buyer company ceased operations months before the supposed deal.
- What were the stolen goods?
- 40 tons of galvanized metal straps and 25 tons of corrugated steel sheets.
- How many suspects were involved?
- two arrests have been made, and three individuals are under investigation, with charges of identity theft and fraud.